June 8, 2009

Spring Children's Book Parade: The Tale of Despereaux

This book has it all: princesses, a daring rescue, chivalry, a happy ending, rats...wait a minute...rats?...Yes. Rats.

Trust me, The Tale of Despereaux (by Kate DiCamillo) is a great book, all about Despereaux the mouse, an unlikely hero.

This is the book my husband read to me on our Honeymoon, so I know I have a somewhat biased opinion (he could have read me the phone book and it would now hold a special place in my heart). However, it truly is a wonderful book and the characters each have very special qualities; I like books with characters like that because you can stop when reading to a child and explain why each character has good and bad (or sometimes just bad) qualities and discuss what you admire or dislike about each one.

I highly recommend checking this book out of the library or, better yet, picking up a copy to add to your own library. I think once you read it yourself, you'll agree that it deserves a place on your shelf! And while you're at it, check into Kate DiCamillo' other great reads like Because of Winn-Dixie, and the Mercy Watson Series. Also, check out the Spring Children's Book Parade over at the 6 o'clock stitch so you can get more great children's book recommendations.

PS...I know an animated movie-version of The Tale of Despereaux just came out recently, but I haven't seen it yet. May I suggest that you read the book before watching the movie? Or at least that you not settle for only watching the film, but, rather, read the book as well? You won't regret it!